The Atlantic republished a 2014 essay by JD Vance that characterized Donald Trump’s appeal as “cultural heroin,” a temporary pain reliever for societal ills that would ultimately fail to provide lasting solutions. This republication highlights Vance’s significant political evolution from a vocal critic of Trump, even calling him “America’s Hitler,” to becoming his running mate and a fervent defender. Vance’s shift in stance, particularly noted by Atlantic editor David Frum, occurred as he successfully ran for the US Senate with Trump’s endorsement, subsequently becoming his Vice Presidential nominee.
Read More
House Speaker Mike Johnson intends to expedite President Trump’s voter ID legislation using the budget reconciliation process, aiming to bypass Senate filibuster rules. This move follows recent GOP discord and Trump’s persistent demands for the SAVE America Act. While House Republicans believe this method is viable, Senate counterparts express skepticism due to procedural rules and past parliamentary rulings. Despite these challenges, Johnson plans to push the voter ID bill, focusing on its core provisions to increase affordability and reduce fraud, and potentially linking it with a defense package to increase pressure on the Senate.
Read More
Despite sweltering heat and severe weather that led to an evacuation of the National Mall, President Trump proceeded with his 40-minute address marking America’s 250th birthday. While organizers claimed hundreds of thousands returned after the evacuation, visual evidence suggested a sparse crowd. Those in attendance heard a speech focusing on a perceived “golden age” under his presidency and warnings against communism, before the president observed a fireworks display where he appeared to doze off.
Read More
Following the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear an appeal, Donald Trump’s legal team has requested an extension to pay a $5 million civil judgment awarded to E. Jean Carroll. Attorneys cite the need for new lead counsel, Josh Halpern, to become fully acquainted with the case’s complexities as the reason for the delay. The request aims to postpone a response to Carroll’s demand for payment, with Trump’s lawyers asserting that the funds are secured and no material harm will befall the plaintiff. Carroll’s counsel, however, views this as a further attempt to delay payment, noting that Trump has had ample time to secure new representation.
Read More
Amidst the funeral processions for the assassinated former Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, calls for the killing of Donald Trump echoed through the packed prayer halls. The week-long ceremonies, delayed due to the US and Israeli war, have become a potent blend of grief and militant calls for revenge. Mourners, some bearing flags symbolizing vengeance, expressed their anger and vowed retribution for the leader’s death.
Read More
The America 250 celebration, intended to honor the nation’s anniversary, was marred by severe weather that led to the evacuation of the National Mall. Despite organizers’ directives, many attendees, including those with passes, were prevented from re-entering after the weather cleared, causing significant frustration and chaos. The event, which had been transformed into a campaign-style rally by Donald Trump, was further delayed, with the fireworks finally commencing after midnight, leading to logistical challenges for attendees trying to depart.
Read More
During the Salute to America 250 speech, President Trump indicated that the SAVE America Act could be approved soon. The Act, as described by the President, aims to implement photo identification requirements for all voters and restrict the use of mail-in ballots. These proposed changes are intended to enhance election security and integrity.
Read More
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Donald Trump on a July 4 call where Trump again offered to help end the Ukraine war, a sentiment Russia’s foreign ministry described as “businesslike and highly constructive.” While Russian forces reportedly advanced in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, Ukraine continued its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, including oil refineries and fuel facilities. The conversation and ongoing conflict are set to be a significant backdrop to an upcoming NATO summit.
Read More
It appears that Donald Trump has recently offered to mediate a resolution between Russia and Ukraine, a move that has garnered significant attention and, as expected, a healthy dose of skepticism. The notion of him stepping in to broker a deal, especially with Vladimir Putin, brings to mind past pronouncements and actions that cast a long shadow of doubt on his diplomatic capabilities in such high-stakes situations. One can’t help but wonder what kind of “deal” he might envision, given his past inclinations and the current realities on the ground.
The suggestion that Trump might propose a “deal” that involves a substantial financial payout and a declaration of victory for Russia immediately raises questions.… Continue reading
A federal judge has denied Donald Trump’s attempt to delay a $5.8 million payout to E. Jean Carroll, stemming from a civil defamation case. This denial comes after years of Trump’s efforts to overturn a 2022 jury verdict finding him liable for sexual abuse and defamation against Carroll. Despite the Supreme Court declining to review the case, Trump’s legal team argued for more time, a request summarily rejected by the judge. Carroll’s attorney stated this ruling ends Trump’s efforts to evade accountability for his actions.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood